Wondering if a possessive apostrophe is correct after 'minutes' in the sentence: "After a few minutes' use, the hairdryer stopped working."? I know it's correct to have one in the sentence "In a few weeks' time, I'll be on holiday." but not sure if it's the same?
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Yes, you have to have an -s' for it to be correct: "a few minutes' use." – Nick Dec 06 '17 at 20:51
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According to snailplane in this rather related--but not duplicate--post, the apostrophe is optional rather than required. I'm a bit on the fence, myself, and would probably chicken out and use farnsy's option. – BobRodes Dec 06 '17 at 21:56
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Yes, use an apostrophe in both your hairdryer and holiday examples.
You could also write
After a few minutes of use, the hairdryer stopped working
which is the somewhat more common way to say this.
farnsy
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